Aaron Mills’ top three to follow from Belmont July 22

Aaron Mills - Monday July 24

It was a tough day for punters with only one favourite saluting but there were still some encouraging runs for the black book.

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PATAPUS
Found to be heavily in season after her last-start failure but after treatment bounced back to her very best with a strong win on Saturday. Travelling sweetly just off the lead trio which were carving out solid time up front, Patapus finished strongest over the final 200 metres to win going away. She ran fastest of all three races over the short course held that day and was one of only a handful of starters to break 34 seconds for the run home on the entire card. If that's the true level of ability for Patapus there should be more wins in store.
Career record (9:3-2-1)
Race to look for – Class 5 or Benchmark 62+ 1000-1200m

OKINA KURI
This Vernon Brockman-trained two-year-old needed the run when resuming from a spell after previously attempting stakes company in November but pulled out a great effort from a future viewpoint. Tramping wide on speed in wet conditions in Perth is usually a recipe for disaster yet Okina Kuri boxed on gamely to finish fifth behind one of the form juveniles of the season in Cognac. Breeding suggests races up to and including a mile are not out of the question and with added fitness I'm expecting Okina Kuri to get much closer as we head into the new racing season over the coming weeks.
Career record (3:0-1-0)
Race to look for – 3YO 1000-1400m

CARALABEK
I've made a deal with Caralabek that he wins next time out or we go our separate ways. The son of Epsom Derby fourth-placegetter Hala Bek has always hinted at being an above-average stayer but it seems the penny hasn't quite dropped because his record at 2000 metres or beyond is a modest 9:1-4-1. Again on Saturday he shaped to run home over the top of them but became very one-paced over the final furlong, eventually petering out for fourth. Interesting is that Caralabek is yet to race in blinkers and it might be the addition of that piece of gear that helps him find the required improvement needed to break through. Either way, give him one more chance before he goes into the sack file forever.
Career record (16:3-5-1)
Race to look for – Benchmark 66+ 2000-2200m

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